From Striving to Surrender: A Journey From Head Knowledge to Heart AcceptanceSample

Day 1–Stop Trying to Understand

When we think about the love of God, I want us to begin with the criminal on the cross. This man was receiving the same punishment as Jesus. Crucifixion was the worst form of execution, so whatever he had done was serious. And yet, in that place of pain, shame, and obvious guilt, he asked Jesus to remember him.

Jesus’ reply was simple: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43 NIV).

He did not make the man prove himself first, nor did He ask for evidence of a changed life. He simply gave him the assurance of eternal life, right there and then. That is grace in its purest form.

Often, we find ourselves saying, “I don't understand why God would love me.” We list our failures, our shortcomings, or the ways we fall short in prayer or obedience, whilst we're running around being busy. But Isaiah 55 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV).

If you are still trying to understand it, perhaps you are asking the wrong question.

God’s love is not something to be figured out like a puzzle. It's not a formula or an equation. His love is part of His character and nature. It's supernatural, and I don't believe we're ever meant to comprehend it fully. But we are meant to accept it.

You could spend your whole life trying to make sense of why a holy God would love a sinful human being, but the better question is: How can I accept His love more today? What would that look like?

When you stop striving to understand and start leaning in to receive, you will find rest for your soul.